AJK govt decides to suspend mobile and internet services due to protests

Recently, there were violent protests in the Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) region against hike in electricity tariffs, flour prices and benefits for the elite. In response, the AJK government has decided to suspend mobile and internet services for two days, according to a report.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also called a meeting today to discuss the situation in AJK. The meeting will be attended by the Prime Minister of AJK and other relevant stakeholders.

In addition, the sources also said that the negotiations between the Joint People’s Action Committee and the Azad Kashmir government, however, remained unsuccessful. The convoy of protesters then traveled to AJK’s capital Muzaffarabad.

It is pertinent to mention here that protests have been going on in the region for the past three days. Clashes between police and protesters have also been reported in recent days, leaving one police officer dead and several injured.

According to the sources, over 150 protesters were reportedly arrested and the Rangers were called in on Sunday. However, they were later sent back when the AJK government tried to negotiate with the protesters on the third day of demonstrations. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz have asked for restraint and resolving the issues through dialogue.